Brazil’s Tobacco Tax Increase Will Save Lives and Produce Critical New Revenue

Brazil's Tobacco Tax Increase Will Save Lives and Produce Critical New Revenue

Statement of Patricia Sosa, Associate Vice President for Latin America, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Washington, D.C. - The government of Brazil has issued a new decree that will raise the price of cigarettes, a move that will curb tobacco use and save lives. The new decree was announced as part of measures aimed at containing the effects of rising fuel prices caused by the war in the Middle East.

Raising the price of tobacco products through increased tobacco taxes is the single most effective way to drive down rates of tobacco use. Yet globally, tobacco taxes remain one of the most underutilized tools governments have at their disposal to address tobacco use and its deadly consequences.

More than 11 percent of Brazilian adults smoke and the country is home to nearly 22 million smokers. In addition to the latest move to increase taxes on cigarettes, Brazil approved tobacco tax reforms in 2024 that will further increase the price of tobacco products and save more lives once implemented.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids joins the Brazilian public health community in commending the government for its swift action that will improve the lives of all Brazilians and for continuing to champion strong tobacco control measures.